VLURE – ‘Escalate’ Review: Scintillating Rave-Punk from Glasgow’s Heartbeat

Experience the raw energy of VLURE’s rave-punk fusion on their debut album ‘Escalate’, a sonic journey pulsating with Glasgow’s gritty spirit.

A Raw Blast from Glasgow’s Fiercest Newcomers

If you’re craving music that hits you like a lightning bolt, look no further than VLURE. This Glasgow quintet has been stirring up the scene since their explosive singles “Shattered Faith” and “Show Me How To Live Again” dropped in 2021. With a sound that slices through genres—melding jagged post-punk grit, euphoric synth washes, and an industrial thrum—they’ve carved out a space that’s uniquely theirs. Frontman Hamish Hutcheson’s vocals stand like a fortress: thick, tough, and unyielding, channeling every ounce of the band’s cathartic fire.

VLURE unleashing their explosive rave-punk energy on stage

Taking It Up a Notch: The ‘Escalate’ Era

Fast-forward four years, and VLURE isn’t just maintaining their intensity—they’re cranking it to the max. Their debut album, ‘Escalate’, is a supercharged testament to their dedication. After relentless touring through 2023, the band pressed pause to write and refine, and it shows. This album dives deeper into electronic soundscapes, yet stays rooted in the raw power of their live presence. If The Prodigy ever had a Scottish cousin, this would be it—a collision of rave and rock that feels urgent and alive.

The Earthquake Moment: When Opposites Collide

Opener “I Want It Euphoric” feels like tectonic plates grinding against each other, building toward a seismic blast. Hutcheson’s plea for euphoria isn’t just a lyric—it’s a manifesto. Repetition is their secret weapon, hammering lines like “Give me a release” in “Heartbeat” or the unshakable mantra in “This Is Not The End.” These hooks don’t just stick—they become rallying cries for both band and listener, creating a shared space of euphoric release.

“Repetition breeds belief, and provides the clarity of a focal point for both VLURE and their audience to cling onto.”

Riding the Rave Wave to Transcendence

From the pounding techno race of “Between Dreams” that mirrors the flood of thoughts in your mind, to the hypnotic pull of “Let It Escalate,” VLURE masterfully capture the rush of surrendering to the moment. These tracks aren’t just songs—they’re adrenaline-fueled snapshots of the nights that inspired them, whisking you straight to the dancefloor’s heart.

Grounding the Highs: Moments of Stark Reality

What lifts ‘Escalate’ beyond a rave anthem collection is its emotional grounding. “Something Real” pulls us back from the edge: “Lives life on the highs / Before the lows crash down.” There’s a touching humanity here. Hutcheson’s raw grief spills out in “How To Say Goodbye,” while the album’s closer, “A Clear Tide,” features Bobby Gillespie lending a meditative voice to the acceptance that the night—and its escapism—is over.

Seamless Sonic Craftsmanship

Years of honing their sound have paid off. The album’s blend of dense guitars, swirling electronics, and dynamic pacing feels effortless, almost subconscious. This deep interplay ensures the potent messages of ‘Escalate’ shine front and center. It’s an album that’s brutally honest and inspiring—a true reflection of VLURE’s lofty ambitions. They want to ride that euphoria wave, and nothing is going to stop them.

VLURE’s debut album ‘Escalate’ features striking artwork matching its intense sound

Album Details

• Record label: Music For Nations
• Release date: September 26, 2025

In Conclusion: Ready to Escalate Your Playlist?

VLURE’s ‘Escalate’ is a brutal, ecstatic plunge into the heart of rave-punk. It’s the perfect soundtrack for those nights when you want to lose yourself and find something real all at once. Are you ready to feel the seismic pulse from Glasgow’s most explosive new band?

FAQ

• What genre best describes VLURE’s music?
  VLURE blends post-punk, rave, and industrial elements into an intense rave-punk fusion.
• Who is the lead vocalist of VLURE?
  Hamish Hutcheson fronts the band with his thick, powerful vocals.
• How does ‘Escalate’ differ from VLURE’s earlier work?
  The album deepens their electronic influences while maintaining their live, raw energy.
• Are there any notable collaborations on ‘Escalate’?
  Yes, the closing track “A Clear Tide” features Bobby Gillespie.
• When was ‘Escalate’ released?
  The album officially dropped on September 26, 2025.

If you’re moved by VLURE’s fierce energy and artistic vision, why not bring a bit of that vibe home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store here for a stylish reminder of the soundtrack to your next wild night out.